Four Places To Swim Outdoors In London

When Marilyn Monroe sang, "We're having a heatwave, a tropical heatwave", she probably wasn't experiencing an English summer. But, sun or no sun, for those of us who love an alfresco dip, this is the moment to jump in. The options around the country are endless, from the luxurious (the Scarlet's reed-filtered outdoor pool - with nearby hot tubs to warm up in - on the cliffs at Mawgan Porth) to the intrepid (a circumnavigation of Burgh Island in Devon with SwimTrek) to the historic (Britain's first spring-fed lido, the invigorating Pells in Lewes, open since the 1860s). For would-be swimmers trapped at London desks, however, finding an outdoor pool is more of a challenge (without booking into a luxury hotel, that is) - but not an impossible one. Here are Vogue's four top outdoor spots for cooling off in the capital.

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Hampstead Heath Ladies’ Pond

A cut above the Mixed and Men’s, the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond enjoys the cleanest water (it is the highest of the swimming ponds, fed first by the Highgate Brook), the nicest sunbathing slope and the most privacy. Surrounded by thick foliage, the Upper Meadow – where everyone strips off without a second thought – is a tribute to shunning self-consciousness. The water is green and soft with occasional water lilies, perfect for gently swimming around in pairs while chatting. Klpa.org.uk

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Oasis Holborn

Surrounded by high-rise office blocks and council housing, with the not-so distant sounds of traffic on High Holborn, this 27-metre pool doesn’t let you forget that you’re in the heart of the city – which only makes it more enjoyable to be submerged. The big sunbathing deck upstairs is extremely popular. (It’s heated and open till 10pm, so is also highly recommended on cold winter nights, preferably when it’s snowing – take flip-flops.) Better.org.uk/leisure/oasis-sports-centre

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Parliament Hill Lido

A number of London’s lidos are Grade II-listed, including Hillingdon (a 12-sided star with art deco fountains at either end) and Brockwell Park (go early and have breakfast at the excellent Lido Café). But for sheer, glittering beauty, Parliament Hill Lido pips them all to the post. The reflective stainless-steel lining (added in 2005) on this 60m pool makes it a shiny joy to swim in. (It’s meant to retain the heat but the temperature is reliably bracing.) Adult-only evening sessions on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

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The Serpentine Lido

Home of the oldest swimming club in Britain - famous for its rain-or-shine Christmas day race - Hyde Park's Serpentine Lido boasts 100 metres for open water swimming, alongside swans and pedaloes in the surrounding lake, as well as a family-friendly children's pool.